The Department of Health on Wednesday reminded people to look out for the warning signs of a stroke, stressing that it can happen to anyone — not just the elderly.

The appeal was made to mark World Stroke Day today.

Dr Edwin Tsui, Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, said the condition is the fourth most common cause of death in Hong Kong, with more than 2,900 people dying from it last year — more than 200 of whom were under the age of 55.

He urged people to act quickly if they suspect that someone is having a stroke, adding that common symptoms include one side of the face appearing uneven or numb, difficulty lifting one arm properly, and slurred or unclear speech.

"Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Globally, one in four adults over the age of 25 will suffer from stroke at some point in their lifetime, and it is not limited to the elderly,” he said.

“The theme for World Stroke Day 2025 is 'Every Minute Counts'. Time is critical in treating stroke. The sooner you recognise stroke symptoms in yourself or others, and the sooner the patient receives treatment, the better the outcome.”

He reminded the public that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and properly managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.